Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings Radio Play-By-Play Voice Ken Kal Tests Positive For COVID-19

Published

2 years ago

April 2, 2022

Bob Duff

Red Wings radio play-by-play voice Ken Kal is out after testing positive for COVID-19.

Tyler Bertuzzi won’t be the only member of the Detroit Red Wings not making the trip to Canada for Sunday’s game against the Ottawa Senators.

Red Wings radio play-by-play voice Ken Kall is also out. Kal tweeted on Saturday that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and will be sidelined from the booth until Detroit’s Saturday, April 9 home game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

That means Kal will be missing for Tuesday’s game against the Boston Bruins at Little Caesars Arena and Thursday’s trip to Winnipeg to face the Jets.

Tested positive for Covid this morning.
Want to make it clear that I am not “under the weather” I am not sick!
I feel fine. (Which is a good thing) No symptoms. Matter of fact the news came as a big surprise today.
Looking forward to being back next Saturday vs Columbus.

— Ken Kal (@KenKalDRW) April 2, 2022

“Tested positive for Covid this morning,” Kal posted on his Twitter feed. “Want to make it clear that I am not ‘under the weather’ I am not sick! I feel fine. (Which is a good thing) No symptoms. Matter of fact the news came as a big surprise today.”

In the past when Kal was suffering from health issues, Bob Kaser, play-by-play voice of the Grand Rapids Griffins, was brought in from the AHL to take over the microphone. However, this time, analyst Paul Woodds will be handling the play-by-play call, with Daniella Bruce working as analyst.

Earlier this season Woods was missing from a road trip when he contracted COVID-19. The team utilized Bruce to join in on calling the game with Kal. It was the first time in team history that the Red Wings had included a female as part of their game call in the both broadcast booth.

Bertuzzi is unable to travel to Canada because he hasn’t been vaccinated for COVID-19.

Red Wings Larkin, Hronek Uncertain?

Both captain Dylan Larkin and defenseman Filip Hronek were missing from Saturday’s Red Wings practice.

While describing it as maintenance days, Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill also allowed there was a slim chance that neither would be available for Sunday’s game.

“I expect them (to play),” Blashill said. “I think things could change but they’re maintenance days for a reason, so I don’t want to act like there’s no way they couldn’t be out, but I expect them to be in the lineup tomorrow.”

Minus Bertuzzi, the Red Wings are down to 11 healthy forwards. Forward Kyle Criscuolo was recalled from Grand Rapids to play in Sunday’s game.

UPDATE: The #RedWings today recalled center Kyle Criscuolo from the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins.

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— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) April 2, 2022